Angels signed outfielder Raul Mondesi to a one-year, $1.75 million contract.
Mondesi is expected to start tomorrow, though whether he'll play center field or DH is uncertain. Since they're facing a lefty, the Angels may use Mondesi at DH, Chone Figgins in center and Shane Halter at third. Against righties, Jeff DaVanon will start, Figgins will move to third and Halter will be out of the lineup. DaVanon figures to lose playing time after Tim Salmon returns, even though he's probably a better option against righties than either Mondesi or Salmon. May. 29 - 8:

Last edited by Krunk City King$ on Sat May 29, 2004 8:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.

The Anaheim Angels finalized their contract with outfielder Raul Mondesi, who is scheduled to join the team Sunday for the series finale against the Chicago White Sox.

Mondesi, a former All-Star and Gold Glove winner, said Friday he agreed to a contract that will pay him $1.75 million for the rest of the season.

The Pittsburgh Pirates terminated Mondesi's contract after he left them May 7 to return home to the Dominican. At the time, Mondesi said he was fearful for his family's safety as he fights a lawsuit by former major leaguer Mario Guerrero.

Anaheim manager Mike Scioscia said there was a chance Mondesi could play Sunday if he's in condition.

"Hopefully we are going to get a chance to talk to him to see exactly what he's been going and how he feels," Scioscia said after the Angels beat the White Sox 5-1 Saturday.

"If he's not at a (injury risk), we will feel very comfortable getting him in the lineup and playing him. If he is not there, then we will go to Plan B, which will be to work him out."

The Angels have been hit with injuries to Troy Glaus, Garret Anderson, Darin Erstad and Tim Salmon and are hoping Mondesi can add some punch to their lineup. Anaheim still leads the AL West, despite losing so many key players.

Mondesi batted .283 with two homers and 14 RBIs in 26 games with the Pirates. He is a career .276 hitter with 266 homers and 229 stolen bases.

Mondesi, 34, broke in with the Dodgers in 1993 and has also played with the Blue Jays, Yankees and Diamondbacks.

"He gives us another presence in our lineup," Scioscia said. "It gives us a very productive player that's going to go out there and be able to swing the bat every day for us whatever position he is in."

Mondesi initially will be looked at as a center fielder.

"If he is the shape to play center, what we hear he is, it's going to re-establish some depth that we've been lacking," Scioscia said.

To make room for Mondesi on the 40-man roster, the Angels designated infielder Adam Riggs for assignment. Riggs batted .133 with an RBI in four games with Anaheim.